Corruption is Everywhere > Greece's PMO uses Predator Spyware; China Covertly funded 11 Canadian Election candidates

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Greece's Prime Minister 'used state intelligence agency to spy

on political rivals, journalists and businessmen'

By HANNAH MCDONALD FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 13:44 EDT, 5 November 2022 |

Greece has been rocked by a 'wiretapping' scandal as a bombshell report claimed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis 'used state intelligence to spy on dozens of people including potential political rivals, journalists and businessmen'.  

Documento reported that the list of targets included former premier Antonis Samaras, current members of the cabinet and shipping magnate Vangelis Marinakis, owner of Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest football clubs.

Illegal software known as Predator was used in collaboration with technology employed by Greece's state intelligence agency EYP, the newspaper added.

Influential members of the conservative New Democracy party - potential rivals in any future leadership challenge to Mr Mitsotakis - were among those targeted, of which there were 30 politicians, the newspaper said.

Documento reported that the list of targets included former premier Antonis Samaras (pictured)

The weekly, which has close links to the main opposition Syriza party, sourced its information to 'two people with key roles in the surveillance' and said illegal software was also used to tap mobile phones.

'The evidence is missing,' said government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou, who nonetheless called on judicial authorities to investigate what the newspaper has reported.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (pictured) 'used state intelligence to spy on dozens of people including potential political rivals, journalists and businessmen'

He accused the report of trying to 'hurt' the government and undermine stability.

On Friday, a European Parliament committee investigating wiretaps in Greece and other EU states called for a deeper investigation of the case.

Shipping magnate Vangelis Marinakis, owner of Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest football clubs, was also targeted

A Greek parliamentary committee set up to investigate the scandal folded after a month and critics said it failed to summon key witnesses.

The affair exploded in July when Nikos Androulakis - an MEP and leader of Greece's Socialist party - filed a complaint against alleged attempts to tap his mobile phone using Predator spyware.

Within days, it emerged that Mr Androulakis had been under surveillance separately by Greek intelligence before he became leader of Pasok, the country's third largest party.

Two Greek journalists and another senior opposition politician also claim to have been under surveillance.

The affair exploded in July when Nikos Androulakis (pictured) - an MEP and leader of Greece's Socialist party - filed a complaint against alleged attempts to tap his mobile phone using Predator spyware

The scandal forced the resignations in August of the Greek intelligence service chief as well as a close aide and nephew to the prime minister.

The Greek government has flatly denied using illegal surveillance software. It has admitted that state intelligence monitored Mr Androulakis, without disclosing the reason.

'Surveillance software exists in Greece as in the rest of Europe, but no (Greek) public authority has purchased or uses it,' Oikonomou said Saturday.

Mr Mitsotakis has promised to ban the use of illegal wiretaps by law. But critics note that one of his first acts when he became prime minister in 2019, was to attach the national intelligence service to his personal office.

Canadian intelligence warned PM Trudeau that China

covertly funded 2019 election candidates

Toronto Chinese Consulate

By Sam Cooper Global News

Published November 7, 2022 

Canadian intelligence officials have warned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that China has allegedly been targeting Canada with a vast campaign of foreign interference, which includes funding a clandestine network of at least 11 federal candidates running in the 2019 election, according to Global News sources.

Delivered to the prime minister and several cabinet members in a series of briefings and memos first presented in January, the allegations included other detailed examples of Beijing’s efforts to further its influence and, in turn, subvert Canada’s democratic process, sources said.

Based on recent information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), those efforts allegedly involve payments through intermediaries to candidates affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), placing agents into the offices of MPs in order to influence policy, seeking to co-opt and corrupt former Canadian officials to gain leverage in Ottawa, and mounting aggressive campaigns to punish Canadian politicians whom the People’s Republic of China (PRC) views as threats to its interests.

CSIS told Global News it could not answer some questions for this story. But the service confirmed it has identified the PRC’s foreign interference in Canada, which can include covert funding to influence election outcomes.

 “The Chinese Communist Party … is using all elements of state power to carry out activities that are a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty,” CSIS stated.

The briefings did not identify the 2019 candidates. But the alleged election interference network included members from both the Liberal and Conservative parties, according to sources with knowledge of the briefs.

Global News was not able to confirm from the sources which cabinet ministers may have been privy to the briefs nor the specific timing that the information was reportedly shared.

Chief among the allegations is that CSIS reported that China’s Toronto consulate directed a large clandestine transfer of funds to a network of at least eleven federal election candidates and numerous Beijing operatives who worked as their campaign staffers.

The funds were allegedly transferred through an Ontario provincial MPP and a federal election candidate staffer. Separate sources aware of the situation said a CCP proxy group, acting as an intermediary, transferred around $250,000.

The 2022 briefs said that some, but not all, members of the alleged network are witting affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party. The intelligence did not conclude whether CSIS believes the network successfully influenced the October 2019 election results, sources say.

CSIS can capture its findings through warrants that allow electronic interception of communications among Chinese consulate officials and Canadian politicians and staffers.

Sources close to this situation say they are revealing details from the 2022 briefs to give Canadians a clearer understanding of China’s attacks on Canada’s democratic system. Out of fear of retribution, they have asked their names be withheld.

In response to the briefing details, experts say the alleged interference points to weakness in Canada’s outdated espionage and counterintelligence laws, which sophisticated interference networks run by China, Russia and Iran are exploiting.

Justin Trudeau's comments were typical Trudeau - sound like you really care about this and then don't do anything more than you absolutely have to. Trudeau has to be cautious with his response so as not to put in place laws that will prevent global environmentalists from contributing to Canadian election campaigns.

There needs to be an inquiry into this to expose the 11 MPs and shame them into resigning. It's hard to believe the Canadian media is protecting these MPs rather than Canada's democratic government. I wonder how many cabinet ministers Trudeau and the Liberal media are protecting?

There is much more on this story at Global News.

Liberal Doctor Breaks Ranks to Vote Against Gov't Assisted, Instant Death Bill; Trudeau's Absurd "Balanced" Cabinet

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Liberal MP and doctor says he'll vote against assisted death bill

Kathleen Harris · CBC News · 

Posted: Dec 09, 2020 4:00 AM ET

Liberal MP Marcus Powlowski, who has worked for decades as a medical doctor and has law degrees, says he will vote against Bill C-7 unless there are changes to it. (Jeff Walters / CBC)

A Liberal MP and medical doctor says he will vote against his government's contentious medical assistance in dying (MAID) bill, warning that it could allow people suffering from deep but temporary despair to end their lives.

Marcus Powlowski, who represents the Ontario riding of Thunder Bay-Rainy River, already voted against Bill C-7 at the report stage in the legislative process — the only member of the government caucus to do so. He told CBC News he will "regrettably" do so again unless it's amended.

"I don't like voting against my party, but as someone with a medical background and somebody who has dealt with this issue over the years a lot, I think morally it's incumbent upon me to stand up when it comes to issues of health and life and death," he said.

Powlowski has practised medicine in Canada, Africa and the South Pacific. He has two law degrees and a master's degree in health policy and has helped develop health law and policy for the World Health Organization and several governments.

So, why isn't this remarkable man Canada's Minister of Health? See below.

Powlowski — who insisted he is not opposed to MAID in principle — said a Quebec court ruling required the Liberal government to craft "very difficult legislation" to strike a balance between two starkly different views of MAID.

My biggest concern ... is that we don't end up using MAID

for people who don't really want to die

- Liberal MP Marcus Powlowski

He said he worries the resulting legislation may not address people who are "transient" in their wish to terminate their lives, such as someone who has a permanent disability or who now needs chronic care. Those feelings of anguish can fade over time as they adjust to a changed reality, he said.

"My biggest concern, as someone who has spent my whole life trying to avoid accidentally killing people, is that we don't end up using MAID for people who don't really want to die," he said.

"I think, with a bit of time, people may come around to the fact that there are reasons they want to live."

The government introduced C-7 in February in response to a September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec ruling which found that the law's precondition for obtaining a physician-assisted death — that the individual seeking it must face a "reasonably foreseeable" natural death — was unconstitutional.

The bill proposes to remove that requirement. It also disqualifies those whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness from obtaining an assisted death.

Lametti urges swift passage of bill

Justice Minister David Lametti is urging MPs to pass the bill "expeditiously" in order to meet a court-imposed Dec. 18 deadline.

The government already has received two extensions on the new legislation due to disruptions caused by the global pandemic. While it could request a third extension, the government says its priority now is getting the legislation passed.

After all, it's more important that it gets done quickly than it gets done properly - Liberal philosophy

The Conservative opposition and groups advocating on behalf of Canadians with disabilities say the bill removes safeguards, but Lametti has maintained the legislation strikes the right balance between protecting the vulnerable and giving Canadians the right to end needless suffering.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has said that, instead of giving people a "tool" for assisted death, the government should develop a stronger framework to help people live better lives with better supports, housing and care. He also has accused the government of trying to rush a fundamentally important bill after wasting time by proroguing Parliament.

At the report stage, 16 Conservative MPs voted in support of C-7, including Conservative House Leader Gerard Deltell.

The current law requires that a patient seeking assisted death wait 10 days before obtaining it in cases where the death is "reasonably forseeable." The proposed new legislation omits that waiting period, although it maintains a 90-day waiting period for patients whose deaths are not considered reasonably foreseeable.

Senate pre-studying C-7

Conservatives had proposed amendments to keep the 10-day waiting period and to extend the 90-day period to 120 days. Both amendments were rejected in the House of Commons.

The bill has been undergoing a pre-study in the Senate.

Conservative Sen. Denise Batters, vice-chair of the Senate's legal and constitutional affairs committee, said the committee heard from 81 witnesses and most did not support the Liberal government's approach.

She called C-7 "deeply flawed, poorly considered and likely unconstitutional."

Quebec Sen. Chantal Peticlerc will sponsor C-7 when it reaches the Red Chamber.

If the bill doesn't clear the Senate by next Friday's deadline, and if the government does not seek (or is refused) another extension by the courts, that would leave a disconnect between the law in Quebec and elsewhere. People in Quebec would have a legal right to assisted death without foreseeable death being a requirement, while the rest of Canadians would not have access to the broader eligibility.

If the Senate decides to propose amendments, the bill would return to the House of Commons.

While sharing concerns about the legislation's swift pace, the NDP and Bloc Quebecois are expected to support C-7.

The NDP says it supports the right of Canadians to obtain medically assisted death to avoid unnecessary suffering at the end of life — but the party is also calling on the government to introduce a new national income support program to address concerns raised by disability advocates.

A July report from Health Canada on medical assistance in dying in Canada showed that nearly 14,000 Canadians had received MAID since 2016. In 2019, MAID accounted for 2 per cent of deaths in Canada.

A planned parliamentary review of the regime was delayed due to COVID-19, but is expected to begin next year.

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Why is Dr. Powlowski not Health Minister for Canada. With that extraordinary resume, he should be an easy choice. 

Powlowski has practised medicine in Canada, Africa and the South Pacific. He has two law degrees and a master's degree in health policy and has helped develop health law and policy for the World Health Organization and several governments.

But Trudeau wanted a balanced cabinet - not talent, or ability-wise, but appearance-wise. He chose his cabinet based on sex, sexual preference, colour, and religion (as long as it wasn't Christianity). 

So, Dr. Powlowski was never in the running for a cabinet position because he has that heinous attribute of being a white male. Consequently, Patty Hajdu, was named Health Minister. Patty's only listed training is in graphic arts. That more than qualifies her since Trudeau's only real work experience was as a drama teacher. I'm inclined to think he is still practicing that calling.

Now, to be fair, Patty has a B of A, and a Masters in Public Admin. No medical background whatsoever! Astonishing, isn't it. Talk about absurdly wasted talent. The good Doctor will probably be chastised for voting against this bill.

Another disgraceful decision, back in 2015, was the appointment of the Minister of Defence. The highly qualified LtGen Andrew Leslie, another unfortunate white male, was passed over for a Lieutenant Colonel, Harjit Sajjan. Sajjan is brown and Sikh! 

Sajjan was a highly praised intelligence gatherer who contributed greatly to NATO's Operation Medusa in Afghanistan. However, in 2017 he twice claimed to be the architect of Medusa. He was a Major and such operations were planned by those with higher ranks, though he contributed greatly. Taking credit, whether it is due or not, is not the sign of a leader.

His expertise in intelligence gathering should have been the focus of his career, but Trudeau made him Minister and ignored the much more qualified Leslie.

Leslie didn't bother running in the 2019 election. The writing was on the wall. Another talented man wasted.

Don't forget the ministers and MPs who have had to step down because of sexual indiscretions. Chosen for their appearance, not their character or talents.

Nor should we forget the three women who displayed excellent character; two of whom were very talented ministers. All were forced to resign because of their integrity. Trudeau doesn't want character, talent or ability in his cabinet. He just wants them to look colourful and do what they are told. Most do. 

I applaud you, Dr. Powlowski, for standing up for your principles. It was nice knowing you.

After Year of Political Turmoil, SNC-Lavalin Gets Off Easy in Plea Deal

Corruption is Everywhere - Everywhere SNC-Lavalin works

'The rest of the company will be able to continue to have access to public contracts,' says François Legault

Peter Zimonjic · CBC News 

The bust-up between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former minister of justice and attorney general of Canada

Jody Wilson-Raybould came close to ending Trudeau's government - and it may have accomplished nothing.

(Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's failed efforts to see SNC-Lavalin avoid prosecution led to him losing two key ministers, his edge in the polls and (almost) his party's hold on government, the Quebec engineering firm at the centre of the controversy walked away today with a plea deal that looks a lot like what it asked the government for in the first place.

A judge on Thursday accepted the plea deal that a division of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. struck with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Under the agreement, the company pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud over $5,000 in relation to the company's activities in Libya.

All other charges have been dropped.

"We are happy. The company is happy," said SNC-Lavalin lawyer François Fontaine. "The fact that the charges are no longer pending over the head of the company is good. The uncertainty around that kind of proceeding is bad for business, is bad for the company.

"So we're very happy that it's now over. We are free to bid as normal. This guilty plea does not prevent construction, or any other entity of the group, to bid on public contracts."

After SNC-Lavalin was hit with fraud and corruption charges over its actions in Libya between 2001 and 2011, officials from the Prime Minister's Office spoke with then justice minister and attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould, asking her to reconsider offering the firm a deferred prosecution agreement.

Under newly passed legislation, a deferred prosecution agreement would allow the company to avoid trial providing it paid hefty fines and continued to adhere to a number of conditions for a period of time.

CBC, ever in Trudeau's court, neglect to mention here that SNC-Lavalin lobbied Trudeau furiously to pass that law, specifically for them. Trudeau snuck the law into the back pages of a very long and complex omnibus budget bill, without the opposition noticing. A bill passed by the previous government required companies guilty of corruption to be suspended from bidding on federal government contracts for a period of years. Many of the high level managers at SNC live in Trudeau's riding in Montreal.

Had the company been convicted in court of bribing Libyan officials — including Saadi Gadhafi, son of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi — to get lucrative government contracts, it could have been blocked from competing for federal government contracts in Canada for a decade.

"I have long believed in the essential necessity of our judicial system operating as it should — based on the rule of law and prosecutorial independence, and without political interference or pressure," Wilson-Raybould said today on Twitter. 

"Ultimately, that system was able to do its work — as democracy and good governance requires — and an outcome was reached today. Accountability was achieved. The justice system did its work."

Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act

Former health minister Jane Philpott and former attorney general of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould

both resigned from cabinet over the SNC-Lavalin affair. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

In early 2019, media reports said that Wilson-Raybould felt she was being improperly pressured by Trudeau's senior adviser and the clerk of the Privy Council to ask the DPP to consider offering SNC-Lavalin a deferred prosecution agreement.

Wilson-Raybould refused, saying she believed the prosecution service should be free from political influence in its decisions. Trudeau later said he did not direct the attorney general to reverse a decision — that he just wanted her to reconsider the deferred prosecution agreement option.

Months of political controversy followed, resulting in Wilson-Raybould resigning from cabinet before being tossed out of the Liberal caucus along with her ally in the public debate that ensued: former health and Indigenous services minister Jane Philpott.

Mario Dion, the conflict of interest and ethics commissioner, released a report in August that found Trudeau had violated the Conflict of Interest Act.

'You don't get do-overs in politics'

The allegation that Trudeau improperly tried to influence the attorney general significantly depressed the prime minister's voter support.

Trudeau defended his actions by saying that he was trying to prevent the loss of jobs in Quebec, but the damage to the prime minister's reputation had been done — just as federal political parties were readying themselves for a fall election.

Primarily, he was trying to prevent the loss of his own job.

In its year-end interview with the prime minister, the Canadian Press asked Trudeau if his actions on the SNC-Lavalin file were worth the political cost.

"As we look back over the past year on this issue, there are things that we could have, should have, would have done differently had we known," he said.

"You don't get do-overs in politics. You only do the best you can to protect jobs, to respect the independence of the judiciary, and that's exactly what we did every step of the way."

No, that's not what you did! You did not respect the independence of the Judiciary or you wouldn't have lost two of your most capable ministers, nor would you have been found guilty of violating the Conflict of Interest Act. Or did you forget your Principal Secretary and top Public Servant were both forced to resign for their excessive pressure on JWR.

The deal SNC-Lavalin struck to avoid trial may not have been a deferred prosecution agreement, but it resulted in almost the same outcome for the company.

All other charges were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea on one charge of fraud over $5,000, plus an agreement to pay $280 million in fines and comply with a probation order for three years.

"So far I'm happy, because that's what we were asking for," said Quebec Premier François Legault. "SNC-Lavalin's paying $280 million, but it's only for a part of the company. The rest of the company will be able to continue to have access to public contracts."

Wilson-Raybould's successor, Justice Minister David Lametti, said he had no part in the deal.

"Yesterday, I became aware that the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and counsel for SNC-Lavalin had reached an agreement to resolve the ongoing criminal proceedings against the company and its affiliates," a statement from Lametti's office said.

"This decision was made independently by the PPSC, as part of their responsibility to continually assess and determine the appropriate path for cases under their jurisdiction. Canadians can have confidence that our judicial and legal systems are working as they should."

Right, it's our political system that is thoroughly screwed up! When you cause the two ministers with the most integrity to resign from cabinet and from the party, that says all you need to know about Justin Trudeau.

Yesterday, Jodie Wilson-Raybould was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year. She and Jane Philpott have both left the very Liberal Party; JWR was re-elected in October as an independent MP; Jane Philpott failed in her attempt to do the same.